sorry to ask such a noob question but....... i've been looking for a good beginer bike for my girlfriend. i cam e across a klr 250 for a good price but no elec start. how hard or is it even possible to add electric start?

sorry to ask such a noob question but....... i've been looking for a good beginer bike for my girlfriend. i cam e across a klr 250 for a good price but no elec start. how hard or is it even possible to add electric start?

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There's an electric start kit available for the Mojave 250 ATV, which uses the same engine, but it's very expensive and difficult to fit. My wife has no problem kick starting her 250, but if I had to do it all again I'd look for a good used DR350 with a button.

I might as well get a shot of my wife's bike in here. It's a '92 KLR250 that's set up for the trip to last weekend's WARP trip in Kernville, CA. My wife's a real trooper, and rode the thing 883 miles over the course of 3 days, smiling the whole way.

I've the opportunity to check out a 04 KLR250 xcept it's a long drive. Only trouble is I've no idea if it'll fit my size and would like to know before I drive out to check it out. I'm 5'7. Will this bike be ok for me? I tried out a super sherpa and that was fine with leg room to spare.

I've the opportunity to check out a 04 KLR250 xcept it's a long drive. Only trouble is I've no idea if it'll fit my size and would like to know before I drive out to check it out. I'm 5'7. Will this bike be ok for me? I tried out a super sherpa and that was fine with leg room to spare.

thanks

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You can always reduce the preload on the rear shock such that it compresses further from stock which will get you closer to the ground.

I've the opportunity to check out a 04 KLR250 xcept it's a long drive. Only trouble is I've no idea if it'll fit my size and would like to know before I drive out to check it out. I'm 5'7. Will this bike be ok for me? I tried out a super sherpa and that was fine with leg room to spare.

hauls my 200+ pound ass up to 70 on level ground, very nice on gravel and single track though there is NO power to loft the front end at all.
Also geared really low which is ok on the trails but, even there its a bit low. 1st is really a granny gear. Anyone know the stock sprocket sizes?
It is also pretty sluggish. has an old aftermarket silencer on it that is not very effective. I'll be swapping it out for something quiet.

Really a pretty nice little bike. I want to get my wife riding it and I think the power delivery is really good for a beginner. Biggest issue is getting her to embrace the kick only starting.

Any standard upgrades folks do to these or weak spots that need to be addressed?

The "twofiddy" has had lots of local fun so far and am planning a longer trip up to Alleghany State Forest this summer.
I've found the bike performs well stock but some open the air box and rejet for a little more power. I haven't seen the need yet - but there are several big brothers in the stable to satisfy those urges.

If it's running good in stock form, don't mess with it, The 250 makes usable power.
Any mods you make will require Re-jetting, and that's usually a 3 month ordeal till ya get it right.
Trust me, the HP gains are minimal compared to the hassle required..

My advice is spend your time getting the suspension set up for your weight & riding conditions- get the bike to stick before you get it to kick.. [/QUOTE

I might still do it anyway, since i have all the tools, and i can do it myself.... but i dont have a jet drill around the size i want so i'll go around to some bike shops to try and find a jet.
I will really do anything for even the slightest improvement in power, as money is very limited (im 14yrs old and dont yet have a job). I just really want a bit more power to be able to keep up with my riding buddies... as it is, my stock bike surprisingly beats an 03 xr250 in a 200m race. although, takeoff is a little bit slow... and this is what i would like to improve, whilst still maintaining the 110km top speed...

If it's running good in stock form, don't mess with it, The 250 makes usable power.
Any mods you make will require Re-jetting, and that's usually a 3 month ordeal till ya get it right.
Trust me, the HP gains are minimal compared to the hassle required..

My advice is spend your time getting the suspension set up for your weight & riding conditions- get the bike to stick before you get it to kick.. [/QUOTE

I might still do it anyway, since i have all the tools, and i can do it myself.... but i dont have a jet drill around the size i want so i'll go around to some bike shops to try and find a jet.
I will really do anything for even the slightest improvement in power, as money is very limited (im 14yrs old and dont yet have a job). I just really want a bit more power to be able to keep up with my riding buddies... as it is, my stock bike surprisingly beats an 03 xr250 in a 200m race. although, takeoff is a little bit slow... and this is what i would like to improve, whilst still maintaining the 110km top speed...

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You're fighting a very low first gear, and all the power in the world won't make a bit of difference. The KLR250 is what it is, and trying to make it faster by messing with the carb is more than likely going to cost you time and money and give you very little in the way of results, IMHO.

You're fighting a very low first gear, and all the power in the world won't make a bit of difference. The KLR250 is what it is, and trying to make it faster by messing with the carb is more than likely going to cost you time and money and give you very little in the way of results, IMHO.

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+1
AND, if you screw it up it will cost a bunch to have a pro fix it. Carb tuning is a black art. If you have never done it you will never get it right the first time. or the second and likely not the third.

Of course, it would be an adventure, take lots of pictures

You have to decide if you want to spend your time fixing something that isnt broke or uh....Riding.

Also, if your KLR beat an 03 XR 250 I would be suspect that the XR never got out of first gear.

If you want to keep up with your buddies, try heading out in the lead on some tight single track. then they have to keep up with you.

+1
AND, if you screw it up it will cost a bunch to have a pro fix it. Carb tuning is a black art. If you have never done it you will never get it right the first time. or the second and likely not the third.

Of course, it would be an adventure, take lots of pictures

You have to decide if you want to spend your time fixing something that isnt broke or uh....Riding.

Also, if your KLR beat an 03 XR 250 I would be suspect that the XR never got out of first gear.

If you want to keep up with your buddies, try heading out in the lead on some tight single track. then they have to keep up with you.

Good luck

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My father is a qualified mechanic, so i wont have any troubles with messing with the carb at all. Although, iv been thinking of swapping to an xr, or even some other carb, which just has the plain old cable operated round slide. I'v heard that the carby on the bike is what lets it down most performance wise.

The klr's and the xrs are actually very similar in HP. Well, the Klr's before 1990 anyway. So i dont see how this is of such a surprise to you. Although i expect the xr has a little more torque down low... Which is exactly what i'm looking for. My idea was that having the slide/cable operated carb may have given more controllable power. I can mono all of my mates bikes easily (xr's crf's etc.). I just want to be able to mono mine. Its really just that its not that responsive.... any more thoughts?

Buy an owner's manual from Kawasaki. They're not much money and besides, that's copyright protected material. Somebody makes a copy of their own, and gives you the copy...they're stealing. I hate people who steal.

What is a 2004 KLR250 with 6,000 miles on it worth? No dents in the tank but some scratches on the plastics. Oversized tires - same TKC80s as go on a KLR650. Just tuned up and ready to ride. Any ideas? I'm pretty sure my wife is going to put hers on the market and I have no idea what to ask. Was going to start at $2,500 and hope for $2,250 but saw here that someone bought a 2005 for $1,500. Your opinions would be appreciated, it'll help her decide whether or not to sell it.

I noticed a KLR250 for sale locally by the original owner who had a motorcycle shop install a larger (370cc) engine. Assuming this was done by a professional shop, is there anything I should look for or think about involving a bike like this? thanks